I am with the TMax but think of others..

[DougL]

Mr Grumpy, I've come to realise from my European jaunts, what I enjoy about my scooters. My riding has developed continually over the last six years and I realise that I like a scooter that handles well. That rules out a lot of stuff, particularly those with an engine that acts as a swingarm. The TMAX handles brilliantly, as does the BMW; the BMW is more planted at speed but more difficult in the urban environment. Not bad, but the TMAX is the better all-rounder. In town the winner is something like the BV350 ST or and SH300i, no question, but a TMAX can also do it all, as can the BMW. The BV cannot.

On the Euro tours I have become a much more progressive rider. On the trip to Monte Carlo last year the IAM observer who organised the ride commented on my progressiveness, if that is a word. This year I caused some hilarity by overtaking a large convoy of German bikers on some technically challenging Black Forest roads. I now have a need for something that can also keep up a bit better in the straights. I like my scooter, but have narrowed down my choice of bikes to the following, so far:

Kawasaki Z1000SX, Triumph Speed Triple, Kawasaki Z800 and Triumph Speed Triple. I can't think of any other bikes I want to add to the list and the Street is currently my favourite. I'll be test riding all of them sooner or later. If I don't like them, I'll stick with the BMW.

[DougL]

What isn't there to like?

Is that a serious question or a rhetorical one?

In your case rhetorical as I already know what that will be. I was trying to answer the OP's question as I believe he has a different yearning to yours.... (ie "More fun"). But go on, give us some wisdom about economy, lack of storage, wind protection [/yawn]

[gn2]

I already know what that will be.

Actually you don't.

[DougL]

I also rode an Integra while in France, which belonged to a friend. You X9 ers will know her as Huskyteer perhaps? She loved the BMW and test rode them with her SO, Howard for Webbikeworld.

http://www.webbikeworld.com/bmw-c-650-g ... 600-sport/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

I was quite impressed by the way the Integra rode. Very nice handling, but a little slow and I found the DCT laggy even in Sport mode. She was on my BMW and commented on how quick and economical it was. The BMW averaged 60mpg on tour, despite being ridden hard, which equalled the NC700 in sport mode and betters a TMAX.

[MjW]

The F800ST looks nice and the pricing for a 07 model is even better. Although I like this retro looking R850R from 05 more.




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[DougL]

Seriously, I don't think you will enjoy riding something like that after a TMAX if it is fun you are after....

Have a read of this perhaps and if you don't like what you see, then I'll let you ignore me!

http://www.webbikeworld.com/motorcycle- ... -triple-r/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

[Ferret]

An aprilia mana would be a good option imho

[DougL]

An aprilia mana would be a good option imho

It's heavy, unwieldy and has crap suspension as standard compared to the TMAX so it definitely doesn't meet the "more fun" criteria.

[MjW]

I read the street triple review aka "sales pitch". lol
It seems like a well put together bike and most that have tried it like it. Personally I need some getting used to the styling with the double lights and short saddle. I'm sure that I'd like it even more if I got the chance to try it and hear it.

I also thought about the wind protection and there is something positive that comes out from a bike with no protection. Except that it feels more pure (120km on a Night Rod gave this feeling) you get to feel the speed more. And if I can get more fun without breaking the speed limit a lot, that can only be a good thing.

With the Tmax with all the extra wind protection I often find myself going faster than I should because yes, I like speeding a bit, but mostly because it doesn't feel like I'm going fast.

Well, thats the other approach (back to if money was no object!) a bike as a fun bike and sod the practicality! I'd probably be tempted by some sort of KTM Supermoto thingy, or even one of their new Duke 400s. They do sound fun, very light and 48bhp. There again, my garage is full of car, Tmax and baby Burger, so there is no more room!

The other bike I occasionally toy with is the KTM SMT touring supermoto - allegedly semi practical and very exciting to ride, but probably way OTT for me!

Nice find! In all the replies I missed that beast. Now this is a bike to go grocery shopping with!




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[Ferret]

Hhhhmm the mana I rode last year was not that bad ,maybe it was non standard suspension on it as it handled quite well IMHO I think it weighs less than my srv ,yes the tmax is great fun I have to agree .